A Third Way

We live in a country divided, some would say, polarized.  Polarization is when two opposing ideologies are established, each with their own mutually exclusive set of values.  If either side takes a position on an issue, there’s a good chance the other side has taken the opposite stance.  At its best, polarization allows us to respectfully interact with a broad spectrum of ideas in the search for the common good.  At its worst, polarization leads to a competition for supremacy, demonization of the other side, and deeply hateful, hurtful divisions.

While it is common to see various teachings of Jesus represented by either side of the polarization, Jesus invites us to another altogether different way – a third way.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus instructed us to follow Him through the narrow gate and along the narrow way.  On either side of His narrow way we find the wide gate, a way that is attractive and easy, but also leads to destruction.  In contrast, the narrow way is hard, a constant struggle.  Why?  The narrow way sends us into the world, and yet calls us resist conforming to the ways of the world.  To illustrate, a piece of metal will be naturally attracted to either pole of a horseshoe magnet.  Try to pass that metal between those poles and it will take extra effort not to be pulled to one side or the other.  So it is with the narrow way.  We do not pledge our highest allegiance to one side or the other.  Rather, we follow Jesus first and let His example guide our choices, regardless of the struggle or how the rest of the world may perceive it.

Jesus showed us how the narrow way was not exclusive to one side or the other.  Jesus called disciples who held opposing viewpoints.  Sword-wielding Peter was ready for rebellion.  Tax collector Matthew was considered a traitor for cooperating with Rome.  It is entirely possible that Peter and Matthew could have followed Jesus for three years, witnessed Jesus’ death and resurrection and contributed to the beginning of Christianity while still disagreeing on how to deal with the Roman occupation of Judea.   How could people with such different views follow Jesus together?  They put Jesus’ way before their own way.  They followed Jesus on a third way – the narrow way.

What is this narrow way?  In the verse before, Jesus said:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

This third way is the way of selflessness, putting others’ needs above our own.  It is the way of truth and love.  Truth, because God made the world to function a certain way.  Love, because we need each other.  The third way is the way of humility and boldness.  We don’t think highly of ourselves, rather we act with boldness in service to God and one another.  It is the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.  We don’t hold peoples’ sin against them, but instead work toward peace with all people. 

Jesus lived this way and set the example for us.  It wasn’t easy.  Nor is it easy for us.  We shouldn’t expect to be perfect at it.  This is a skill, something we grow into for a lifetime.  When we struggle along the way, we should remember Jesus’ selfless love, His sacrifice and how His blood has opened heaven to us.  We should also remember His resurrection and how we can look forward to the day when Jesus will return and the third way will become the only way.